# NTSB SEA85FA147: Cessna C-177RG, N1983Q, Yakima, WA, June 22, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 22, 1985, 16:10 local (23:10 UTC)
- Place: Yakima, WA
- Location: 46.5909° N, 120.5494° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Yakima, WA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.5909&lon=-120.5494&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40051
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40051/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA147

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT, WHILE IN SLOW-FLIGHT CONFIGUARTION, AT LOW ALTITUDE, IN LIGHT CHOP, FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID TREES. RESULTING TREE IMPACT CAUSED ACFT INTO STALL CONDITIONS. ACFT CONTACTED OTHER TREES, CRASHED AND BURNED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1983Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA C-177RG
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 177RG0383
- Airframe hours: 2300
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Public aircraft, Part 91
- Registered owner: James E. Saalman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 8, 1985, 20 hours before
- Departed: YKM, YAKIMA, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 600 total, 400 in this make and model, 540 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: YKM, 22 nm away

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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